Bord Bia chefs cook up a storm

Bord Bia is currently hosting a Gourmet Gathering for 70 international chefs visiting Ireland on a three-day tailored itinerary.

The overseas delegation are members of Bord Bia’s Chef’s Irish Beef Club, an initiative that unites Michelin star and well-renowned chefs who promote or use Irish beef in high-end restaurants in Europe and further afield.

Speaking of the gathering Aidan Cotter, chief executive, Bord Bia commented: “Irish beef has garnered a comprehensive following amongst many of Europe’s top chefs through our Chefs’ Irish Beef Club, many of whom have joined us this week. This gathering will leverage the work undertaken through the initiative whilst also providing a significant endorsement for the Irish beef industry as it seeks to meet the export targets specified in Food Harvest 2020.”

Over the coming days, the chefs who have travelled from 13 countries (Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK) will meet food producers, visit farms and factories, learn more about the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme and Bord Bia’s Origin Green sustainability programme. The trip aims to provide the chefs with an insight into Ireland’s beef industry and build on Ireland’s positive image in terms of quality, traceability and sustainable food production.

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Ireland’s beef exports, to in excess of 45 markets, were valued at €1.9bn in 2012 and are set to grow by up to 10 per cent this year.

In addition, the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, will host a reception for the chefs during a planned visit to Áras an Uachtaráin on Tuesday, 11th June, while the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD will meet the chefs this afternoon and present the chefs with certificates commending their ambassadorial work with Irish beef.

Pictured Top Chefs with President of Ireland Michael D Higgins courtesy Bord Bia